The Associate Laboratory is a partnership between the Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC) and the Institute for Biomedical Engineering (INEB), created in November of 2000. Overview The IBMC• INEB Associate Laboratory was one of the first to be recognised by the Portuguese Ministry for Science and Technology. It has a ten-year contract with a mandate to carry out research activities and technological development, collaborate with the government in defining scientific and technological policies, and render services to the community. The activities of the lab must have clear social impact. Mission The Associate Laboratory IBMC•INEB main mission is to foster research in the Life Sciences and Biomedicine at highest international level, to promote training of young researchers in these areas, to facilitate technology transfer and to promote public engagement in science. As set out by our contract with Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, we are also committed to help the government in the development and implementation of both national and regional public policy. AREAS OF RESEARCH: - Infection and Immunity - Molecular and Cellular Biology - Neuroscience - Biomaterials, - Biomedical Signal and Image PLUS: - Associated Groups